Sergeant Ann Drury, of the Major Collision and Enquiry Team, said that social media posts had meant members of the immediate family became aware of the crash very soon afterwards and met an attending officer at the scene.

“As they were immediate next of kin and had attended quite rightly wanting information, the officer formally notified them there of the death,” she said. “If the family had not attended the officers would have made enquiries to locate them and tell them in person.”

She said another update was given by phone yesterday and it was explained that a family liaison officer (FLO) would visit after their shift began at 4pm.

“It is normal practice for us to give a family some space in the immediate aftermath of such a tragic event to begin to process what is clearly overwhelming and devastating information,” she said, adding that the FLO would discuss support and next steps during their visit.